Tire Footprint Detection via Clock Frequency Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining tire footprint require supplementary devices, which are costly and not integrated into existing tire management systems, making them inefficient for cost reduction and simplification.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes existing vehicle devices, such as a wheel unit with a microcontroller, speed sensor, transmitter, and reference clock, to measure frequency variations caused by mechanical vibrations when the tire is in contact with the ground, calculating the footprint without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If supplementary devices such as magnetic sensors or magnetometers are added to measure tire footprint, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing reference clock serve multiple functions: its primary function for timekeeping is maintained, and additionally it becomes a sensor for detecting tire footprint through vibration-induced frequency variations. This eliminates the need for separate measurement devices while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (reference clock, vibration exposure) to perform the measurement function without requiring external supplementary devices. The reference clock serves itself as both the timekeeper and the vibration sensor, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If supplementary devices are used for footprint detection, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference clock is designed to perform dual functions: standard timekeeping and vibration-based footprint detection. By making the existing component multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional expensive sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes its own reference clock to detect footprint measurements without requiring external sensors. This self-service approach avoids the cost of additional components while maintaining the ability to accurately measure tire footprint through the clock's natural response to vibrations.
3Device complexity
If existing vehicle devices are used for footprint measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement capability must be extracted from non-dedicated components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits mechanical vibrations transmitted through the vehicle chassis to the reference clock when the tire contacts the ground. These vibrations cause measurable frequency variations in the clock, transforming a non-dedicated timekeeping component into an effective vibration sensor for footprint detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces dedicated mechanical vibration sensors with an electronic timekeeping component (reference clock) that naturally responds to vibrations through frequency modulation. This substitution simplifies the system by using an existing electronic component rather than adding mechanical sensing hardware.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for continuous, cost-effective determination of tire footprint without supplementary devices, using existing systems to provide accurate load and wear information, enhancing tire pressure monitoring and other control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the frequency of the transmitter clock is perturbed by mechanical vibrations when the tire is in contact with the ground
Data Source
AI summary
Method of determining the footprint of a tire on the ground, using devices already installed in standard production tires. Since the frequency of the transmitter clock present in a wheel unit is perturbed by mechanical vibrations when the tire contacts the ground, the frequency variations of the reference clock are representative of the value of the footprint. The method therefore includes determining the footprint on the ground of a tire of a wheel by measuring continuously, as a function of time, a signal representative of the variations in frequency of the reference clock supplied at the output of the time control device; determining a time interval during which the frequency variations of the reference clock occur; and, on the basis of the rotation speed of the tire, deducing therefrom an angular range of contact (Θ) corresponding to the footprint between the ends representing the ground contact length of the tire.